Updated

Members of a group seeking to unionize college athletes are looking for allies on Capitol Hill as they brace for an appeal of a ruling that said full scholarship athletes at Northwestern University have the right to form a union.

Former Northwestern quarterback Kain Colter and Ramogi Huma, the president of the National College Players Association, are to meet with lawmakers Wednesday. The meetings are expected to give athletes a chance to spell out one of their chief concerns, which is providing for the medical needs of athletes.

Last week's ruling by a National Labor Relations Board official in Chicago said Northwestern football players on full scholarships are employees of the university and have the right to form a union and bargain collectively. The university says it will appeal.